Understanding RTP and Variance

Have you ever wondered if it’s possible to find out which online slot machine is ready to payout? Wouldn’t it be lovely if we could find that one hidden slot which always pays out? That’s what you’ll find in this complete guide to RTP and variance for online slots at crypto casinos.

In this simple guide, we’ll walk you through all you need to know about how to weigh up if a slot game is really worth your time and money. We’ll break down the stuffy terminology and maths which go into calculating how often and how much any online casino game will payout. 

What the heck is RTP? 

When playing games at crypto casinos you’ve probably seen terms like variance and RTP being thrown around. RTP is an abbreviation which stands for Return to Player and is expressed as a percentage. It indicates the percentage of bets which will get returned to a player from a specific casino game. 

Here’s an example of the RTP calculation:

• A slot game has an RTP of 96% 
• A player wagers 0.01 BCH for 100 spins, spending 1.00 BCH in total 
• They will get back 0.96 BCH or 96% of their bets  

As you can see, this gives the casino (or the house) an advantage of 4% over the player. If casino games worked purely in this way then players would constantly lose a small percentage of all their wagering and that wouldn’t be much fun, would it? 

It’s important to understand that RTP is a theoretical calculation based on millions, if not billions of plays of a casino game. It’s a way for crypto casinos to ensure that over the long term a game won’t pay out more than it takes in. 

In reality, things are much more random than this and other factors come into play. Sometimes players will get back more than they wager and other times they won’t. This unpredictability is what gives gambling the element of risk and excitement after all.   

The RTP of online casino games

Each casino game has its own RTP rating which should be easy to find in the game description. They will generally range between 94% and 98% with the average RTP of casino games being around 96%. 

It’s fair to say that anything with an RTP shown at 93% or less isn’t worth your time and money. That’s simply considered to be just too low for regular slot games with progressive jackpots being an exception. 

High RTP slots are considered to be the ones with 97% or even 98% return to player ratings. 

Online casinos should generally have higher RTP games on offer due to the lower overheads they carry compared to their brick and mortar counterparts. 

Why Play High RTP Slots

RTP, or Return to Player, is a percentage that indicates how much a slot game will pay you back over time. For instance, a slot with a 96% RTP means that, on average, for every $100 wagered, the game returns $96 to players, with the remaining $4 being the casino’s share. It’s important to remember that this percentage is calculated over millions of spins, so results can vary in the short term.

Choosing to play slots with a higher RTP can be beneficial because they reduce the house’s advantage. While a lower RTP slot takes more from your wagers over time, a higher RTP slot offers better potential returns, which can keep you playing longer. Although RTP doesn’t guarantee short-term wins, it increases your chances of maintaining a healthier balance across sessions.

In practical terms, higher RTP slots are designed to return more of your bets over time compared to slots with lower RTP percentages. This makes them a smarter choice if you want to maximize your gameplay and potentially see better returns. Keep in mind that higher RTP doesn’t mean you’ll win every time, but it does improve your odds in the long run.

Best High RTP Slots at Bitcoin Casinos

What is variance and how does it affect casino games? 

As well as RTP, casino games have a variance rating which is sometimes also known as volatility. This rating is another complex mathematical equation which gives an indication of the frequency and size of payouts from a casino game. Or to put it another way, how risky a game is to play.  

Variance can be broken down into basic 3 levels like this: 

Low Variance – the game will pay out smaller amounts more often. 

High Variance – the game will payout larger amounts less often. 

Medium Variance – somewhere in between the two. 

Therefore, looking at the variance will give you a rough idea of how frequently a casino game is going to reward you and how risky it is to play. Using the variance indicator is a good way to find games which suit your casino playing style and budget. 

How is game volatility calculated? 

All slot games come with a volatility index rating. This indicates how volatile the slot is, but unfortunately, this type of information is not something game developers are very willing to share publicly. If you can sneak a look at their official PAR (Program Accounting Report) sheets then you’d find it there but that’s too much like hard work. 

In theory, you could calculate slot machine variance if you know the frequency of symbol combinations and odds or the value attributed to them. In reality, it takes some rather complex mathematical equations to determine the exact volatility of any given casino game.

However, as a casino player here are a few basic factors you can look out for to get a good idea of how volatile an online slot is. 

Look at the paytable and the difference between the payout of 4 of a kind symbols and 5 per line. If 4 symbols of a kind payout low amounts, while 5 of a kind payout much more, like 10 times more, then you can safely assume that it’s a high variance slot. 

If the gap between 3, 4 is 5 of a kind symbols is much less, like 3-5x the payout, then you are most likely looking at a medium or low variance slot.

Look at the max bet possible on any game. High variance slots will tend to come with small max bets. 

Playing in demo mode can also help you to determine slot variance. If you land frequent low-value wins it’s a lower variance slot and vice versa, bigger less frequent wins are offered by medium or high variance slots.

To make things even easier, check out our crypto slot review where we will always list the variance and RTP to help you make the best game choices.

Low Variance Slots

Imagine you’re on a gentle walk in the park. The weather is pleasant, and you come across small but frequent surprises – maybe a pretty flower or a cute dog passing by. Low variance slots work just like that walk. They give you smaller payouts but more frequently, so you feel like you’re always finding something nice. Players who enjoy long sessions with steady, reliable wins tend to prefer low variance slots. You won’t strike gold here, but these games keep you entertained for longer. Low variance slots at Bitcoin casinos are designed to reward you regularly, keeping your bankroll ticking along as you play.

Best Low Variance Slots at Bitcoin Casinos

Starburst by NetEnt

Starburst takes you on a cosmic journey, with dazzling gems lighting up the 5-reel, 3-row setup. The slot uses 10 fixed paylines. But the best part of this slot is that wins can form in both directions. That means that you’ve got double the chances to land a payout on each spin. The glowing visuals and retro electronic soundtrack create a captivating atmosphere that’s perfect for a fun gaming session.

In the base game, you’ll notice that the smaller wins pop up often, keeping things exciting without being too risky. The real highlight is the expanding Wilds, which can fill entire reels and trigger respins, locking into place to give you even more chances to win. While there’s no traditional free spins feature, those respins are a great way to mix things up. Starburst’s low variance makes it perfect if you’re looking for steady payouts without long waits between wins.

You can enjoy Starburst at BitStarz Casino, where this iconic slot is always ready to deliver a thrilling adventure.

Hot Hot Chilli Pot by Red Tiger Gaming

Hot Hot Chilli Pot brings the heat with its 7×7 grid filled with vibrant ingredients that would spice up any kitchen. The bright and fun theme pulls you into the game, where each spin feels like adding a new ingredient to your chili pot. With a cluster pays system, matching symbols create winning combinations, and cascading wins ensure those wins keep coming as new symbols fall into place.

You’ll encounter three unique chilli wilds that add even more flavor to the mix. Green chilli wilds multiply your wins, red chilli wilds remove low-value symbols, and yellow chilli wilds add extra wilds to the grid. The excitement builds with the Armageddon feature, which can turn a losing spin into a winner by adding chilli wilds at random. With low volatility, Hot Hot Chilli Pot is ideal if you’re looking for frequent, smaller payouts without too much risk.

You can jump into the action and play Hot Hot Chilli Pot at Wild.io, where this spicy slot always serves up a fun time.

Blood Suckers by NetEnt

Blood Suckers takes you into a chilling world of vampires and dark, gothic atmosphere. The 5-reel, 3-row layout with 25 paylines is packed with eerie symbols like garlic, silver arrows, and terrifying vampires. The graphics and spooky soundtrack create a haunting vibe that pulls you deeper into the game’s mystery with every spin.

What sets Blood Suckers apart is its low variance and famously high RTP of 98%. You’ll find yourself landing smaller, frequent wins that keep the action going. The bonus features are where the fun really begins. The bonus game lets you hunt vampires in coffins for cash prizes, while the free spins feature, with its 3x multiplier, gives you a chance to win up to 900x your stake.

NetEnt is known for providing low variance games that are perfect if you prefer steady, manageable rewards, and Blood Suckers is no exception. You can sink your teeth into this thrilling slot at 7Bit Casino.

Other Top Low Variance Slots at Bitcoin Casinos

Medium Variance Slots

Now, picture yourself leaving the park. You’re now on a fun hike in the woods. Sometimes, you find a scenic view that’s worth the climb, but there are also long stretches where nothing too exciting happens. Medium variance slots are similar. They give you a mix of smaller wins and the occasional big payout. It’s a balance between keeping things exciting and not too risky. These games are perfect for players who want some thrills without emptying their pockets too quickly. You can expect to find many popular medium variance slots that provide enough variety to keep things fun while offering a chance for decent rewards.

Best Medium Variance Slots at Bitcoin Casinos

Immortal Romance by Games Global

Immortal Romance transports you into a world of vampires and forbidden love. With 5 reels and 243 paylines, the slot’s dramatic theme and rich graphics create a captivating experience. As you spin, you’ll meet four supernatural characters, each with their own story and bonus feature, making every session feel like a new chapter in a dark romance.

The base game is filled with wilds and scatters, but the real fun comes from the Chamber of Spins. This feature unlocks four different free spins rounds, each offering unique multipliers and modifiers. The Wild Desire feature can also randomly turn up to five reels into full-reel wilds, adding even more thrill to the gameplay. As a medium variance slot, Immortal Romance is perfect if you’re looking for a mix of smaller wins with the potential for bigger rewards, especially during the free spins rounds.

You can enjoy this legendary game at Metaspins and many other top Bitcoin casinos under either the Games Global or Microgaming name, as it’s one of their timeless classics.

Wolf Gold by Pragmatic Play

Set against a backdrop of the rugged American wilderness, Wolf Gold invites you into the heart of the wild. The 5-reel, 25-payline layout features symbols of wolves, buffalo, and eagles, immersing you in a stunning canyon landscape. Every spin feels like a call to adventure, with the howls of the wolves setting the tone.

In the base game, wilds and scatter symbols lead the way to exciting payouts. But the real excitement lies in the free spins and money respin features. The free spins bonus triggers when three scatters land and reels 1, 2, and 3 merge to offer massive payouts. The money respin feature gives you a shot at three jackpot prizes (Mega, Major, and Mini). Wolf Gold offers a balance of smaller, frequent wins and the potential for bigger rewards in the bonus rounds.

With its easy gameplay and stunning visuals, this slot is perfect for you if you’re seeking a balanced, medium-variance experience. You can find Wolf Gold available at BC.Game.

Fire Joker by Play’n GO

Fire Joker brings the play of a classic fruit machine to life but with a fiery twist. With a 3-reel, 3-row setup and 5 paylines, this game keeps things simple while delivering plenty of heat. The familiar fruit symbols, lucky 7s, and the blazing Joker create a retro vibe. And it’s all set against a fiery backdrop that adds to the excitement.

In the base game, you’ll find the Flaming Re-spins feature. This feature gives you a second chance on losing spins when two reels are stacked with matching symbols. This makes those near-misses feel more rewarding. But the excitement really kicks in with the Wheel of Multipliers. This is triggered when the reels are filled with the same symbols. A spin of the wheel can boost your win by up to 10x. 

With medium volatility, Fire Joker is perfect for you if you want a balance of steady wins and the occasional bigger payout. This classic yet modern slot is available at Stake, ready to ignite your gaming experience.

Other Top Medium Variance Slots at Bitcoin Casinos

High Variance Slots

Get ready! Because the leisurely strolls are over. You’re now on an epic rollercoaster ride. You climb slowly to the top, heart racing, knowing the drop will be huge. High variance slots are just like that. They might not give you wins often, but when they do, it’s thrilling and massive. These games are for players who enjoy taking risks and chasing big rewards. The ride can be bumpy, but the excitement of potentially landing a life-changing win keeps you going. High variance slots at Bitcoin casinos are made for those who dream big and aren’t afraid of a few losses along the way.

Best High Variance Slots at Bitcoin Casinos

Gates of Olympus by Pragmatic Play

Gates of Olympus invites you to climb Mount Olympus and face the powerful Zeus. The game is set on a 6×5 grid, this slot breaks away from traditional paylines. You can also win anywhere by landing 8 or more matching symbols on the reels. The game’s epic design, with Zeus hovering over the reels, adds to the atmosphere of divine power.

In the base game, cascading wins keep the action flowing, while random multiplier symbols can appear at any time, ranging from 2x to 500x. The real excitement comes in the free spins feature, where multipliers stack and increase your chances of hitting massive payouts. High variance means that while wins may not happen often, the potential for a 5,000x max win makes every spin thrilling.

If you love high-risk, high-reward slots, Gates of Olympus is perfect for you. Find this electrifying game at Jackbit.

Book of Dead by Play’n GO

In Book of Dead, you’re transported to ancient Egypt alongside the fearless adventurer Rich Wilde. The 5-reel, 10-payline slot is set against a backdrop of Egyptian tombs and treasures, with symbols like pharaohs and scarab beetles creating an immersive experience. The game’s high variance means you might face dry spells, but the potential for huge rewards is always on the horizon.

The highlight is the free spins feature, triggered by landing three or more Book of Dead scatter symbols. During the free spins, a randomly chosen symbol expands to cover entire reels, increasing your chances of landing significant wins. Rich Wilde himself offers the biggest payouts, up to 5,000x your stake, making every spin thrilling if you’re aiming for big wins.

This high variance slot is perfect if you enjoy the risk and reward of chasing larger payouts. You can explore this adventure slot at Coins.Game.

Money Cart 3 by Relax Gaming

In Money Cart 3, the adventure starts with a 5-reel layout and symbols that immediately set the tone for high-stakes action. There are no traditional paylines here. Instead, everything leads up to triggering the bonus round, where the game’s biggest wins await. Your main objective with each spin is to land three or more bonus symbols to unlock the Re-Spins feature.

The bonus game is the heart of Money Cart 3, offering 13 unique special symbols like the Collector, Sniper, and Necromancer to boost your wins. Persistent symbols keep the excitement alive, enhancing your potential payouts with every spin. The high variance ensures that while wins might be spaced out, the 10,000x win potential makes the journey worth it.

If you’re a fan of risk and the thrill of big rewards, Money Cart 3 is the perfect choice. You can find it at BitKingz Casino.

Other Top High Variance Slots at Bitcoin Casinos

How to choose a game based on RTP and variance

If you combine the RTP and variance ratings of any casino game it can help you determine if it’s a good fit for the way you want to play. Which type of player are you? 

Casual gamers 

If you just want to keep a small budget to play a few spins occasionally then it is best to stick with low variance casino games which have an average RTP rating. Slot games such as Starburst from NetEnt are ideal. This will mean that smaller payouts occur more frequently to ensure that you can sustain your casino bankroll for longer.   

High Rollers 

For players who like the thrill of potential big wins and have the budget to support it, high variance slots will deliver. Casino slot games such as Push Gaming’s Fat Rabbit will eat into your bankroll quickly but can bring some epic rewards. 

Medium style players  

Anyone who wants the prospect of some decent wins and has a medium-sized budget will sit somewhere between the two player types above. Playing medium to high RTP slots is where it’s at. Gonzo’s Quest from NetEnt is the perfect example of a slot for middle-ground players. Capable of big wins but not insanely risky. 

Jackpot chasers 

If you are looking for big, possibly even life-changing wins, then progressive jackpot slots are the way to go. These games will often have very low RTP, think 90% and are known as very high variance slots. These high-risk games have very infrequent payouts which are massive when they do land. 

Taking your time and figuring out which RTP and variance fits your gameplay. The type of Bitcoin casino playing style you have will give you a much better overall casino gaming experience. It’s a way better approach than simply launching the first game that has a catchy thumbnail!   

Using RTP and variance to your advantage 

RTP and varaince are there just as a guide for each and every casino game but they can be used to help advance your casino play. Here are some top tips on how to use them to get more from casino games. 

• Use free play/demo modes to try out slot games with different RTP and variance ratings to see what suits you. 
• Don’t pump funds into a low variance slot game and expect a big win.
• Equally, there’s little point in expecting an instant big win from high variance slots. 
• Look for a medium to high RTP slot unless you are chasing jackpots. 
• Only use the ratings as a guide, no game ever owes you a big win.  
• Always set a playing budget and stick to it regardless. 

Are casinos cheating their players?

It’s a fair question to ask. When you see from the RTP percentage, it’s evident that no casino game is going to give you back 100%. 

Given this, how can we be sure that each turn at an online casino game is truly random and not influenced by the online casino where you play? 

Well for this task we have Random Number Generators or RNGs. They are little microprocessors that are capable of producing up to four billion numbers for every single spin. This helps to ensure that each spin is truly random and independent of the previous or next spins.

We can take this one step further at crypto casinos thanks to what’s known as provably fair technology. With this advanced open source tech anyone can check the outcome of each and every bet. In practice, this means that players no longer have to rely on the trust of an online casino to use RNGs. They can also forget the reliance on licencing bodies to enforce the rules as the whole system is open for anyone to inspect. 

It’s also worth mentioning the strict rules and regulations which online casinos have to adhere to. Depending on where each online casino is licensed it might be regulated in different ways. The idea is always the same – ensure that players are protected and everything is legal. This includes the use of RNGs to make sure that all their casino games are 100% fair for all players. 

So, the next time someone asks you ‘are casinos cheating?’, you’ll know exactly what to tell them. 

What are your chances of winning at casino games?

Thanks to the use of RNGs your actual chances of winning at casino games are just as good (or bad) as anyone else. With each spin being completely independent of the last one there’s no such thing as a hot or cold streak despite what some players might tell you. 

The frequency and size of wins, however, can be indicated by a combination of a games RTP and variance metrics. Just always remember that these ratings are only a rough guide which can go some way to help you manage your bankroll. 

It’s ultimately down to each player to decide their budget and to make sure that they stick to it. Casino games are, by their very nature, games of chance. Knowing more about the game’s RTP and variance can help you have more fun regardless of your wins or losses. If you’re not enjoying playing any longer then it’s time to stop your casino gaming session.